JP4951446B2

JP4951446B2 - Push switch device

Info

Publication number: JP4951446B2
Application number: JP2007225911A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 康徳佐々木; 真人林
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2007-08-31
Filing date: 2007-08-31
Publication date: 2012-06-13
Anticipated expiration: 2027-08-31
Also published as: CN101377982B; CN101377982A; JP2009059578A

Description

本発明は、操作体のプッシュ操作時にラチェット機構を介してカムフォロワが回転すると共に接点切換え動作が行われるプッシュスイッチ装置に係り、特に、操作体のプッシュ操作を繰り返すとカムフォロワが異なる高さ位置に交互に保持されるように構成されたプッシュスイッチ装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a push switch device in which a cam follower is rotated via a ratchet mechanism and a contact switching operation is performed during a push operation of an operating body, and in particular, when a push operation of the operating body is repeated, the cam follower alternates at different height positions. It is related with the push switch apparatus comprised so that it might be hold | maintained.

従来より、中空構造のハウジングから突出する操作体をプッシュ操作するとラチェット機構を介してカムフォロワが回転し、このカムフォロワに連動して回転する作動部材に設けられた可動接点が、ウエハに設けられた複数の固定接点に対して接離するように構成したプッシュスイッチ装置が知られている（例えば、特許文献１参照）。かかる従来例では、軸線方向へ延びるガイド突起とガイド溝を円周方向に沿って交互に配設してなるガイド部がハウジングの内壁面に形成されており、各ガイド突起の下端面は両隣のガイド溝に連続する傾斜端面となっている。そして、第１のラチェット歯を有する操作体がガイド溝に案内されて軸線方向へ昇降可能であると共に、第２のラチェット歯を有するカムフォロワがガイド溝および傾斜端面に案内されて軸線方向へ昇降可能かつ円周方向へ回転可能である。また、作動部材はカムフォロワにスプライン結合されているため、カムフォロワが回転するときだけ一体的に回転する。このカムフォロワは復帰ばねによって第１および第２のラチェット歯が噛合するように軸線方向へ常時弾性付勢されており、カムフォロワに設けられたカム部がハウジングのガイド部と係合するようになっている。 Conventionally, when an operating body protruding from a hollow housing is pushed, a cam follower is rotated via a ratchet mechanism, and a plurality of movable contacts provided on an operation member that rotates in conjunction with the cam follower are provided on a wafer. 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a push switch device configured to be in contact with and away from a fixed contact (for example, see Patent Document 1). In such a conventional example, a guide portion formed by alternately arranging guide protrusions and guide grooves extending in the axial direction along the circumferential direction is formed on the inner wall surface of the housing, and the lower end surfaces of the guide protrusions are adjacent to each other. The inclined end surface is continuous with the guide groove. The operating body having the first ratchet teeth is guided in the guide groove and can be moved up and down in the axial direction, and the cam follower having the second ratchet teeth is guided in the guide groove and the inclined end surface and can be moved up and down in the axial direction. And it can rotate in the circumferential direction. Further, since the actuating member is splined to the cam follower, the actuating member rotates integrally only when the cam follower rotates. The cam follower is always elastically biased in the axial direction so that the first and second ratchet teeth mesh with each other by a return spring, and the cam portion provided on the cam follower engages with the guide portion of the housing. Yes.

このように概略構成された従来のプッシュスイッチ装置において、操作体がハウジングからの突出量を最大とする非操作位置にあるとき、第１および第２のラチェット歯は互いの山部の頂点どうしを僅かにずらして係合しているが、カムフォロワの回転はガイド溝によって規制されている。この状態で操作体をプッシュ操作してカムフォロワのカム部をガイド溝から離脱させると、復帰ばねの弾発力によって第２のラチェット歯の山部が第１のラチェット歯の谷部と係合する安定位置へ移動するため、カムフォロワが１／２歯分より僅かに小なる角度分だけ回転する。その結果、カムフォロワに連動して作動部材が回転するため、作動部材に設けられた可動接点がウエハ上で摺動して固定接点との接触位置を変化させることによる接点切換え動作が行われるようになっている。この後、操作体に対するプッシュ操作力が除去されると、復帰ばねに付勢されたカムフォロワのカム部がガイド突起の傾斜端面に弾接してガイド溝へと案内されるため、カム部がガイド溝に入り込んでカムフォロワは１／２歯分より僅かに大なる角度分だけ回転する。その結果、第１および第２のラチェット歯が再び互いの山部の頂点どうしを僅かにずらして係合し、カムフォロワおよび操作体は復帰ばねの弾発力によってそれぞれ元の高さ位置まで押し上げられることになる。 In the conventional push switch device schematically configured as described above, when the operating body is in the non-operating position that maximizes the amount of protrusion from the housing, the first and second ratchet teeth are positioned at the apexes of the crests of each other. Although engaged slightly shifted, the rotation of the cam follower is restricted by the guide groove. When the operating body is pushed in this state and the cam portion of the cam follower is detached from the guide groove, the peak portion of the second ratchet tooth is engaged with the valley portion of the first ratchet tooth by the elastic force of the return spring. In order to move to the stable position, the cam follower rotates by an angle slightly smaller than 1/2 tooth. As a result, the operating member rotates in conjunction with the cam follower, so that the contact switching operation is performed by the movable contact provided on the operating member sliding on the wafer and changing the contact position with the fixed contact. It has become. Thereafter, when the push operating force on the operating body is removed, the cam portion of the cam follower urged by the return spring is brought into elastic contact with the inclined end surface of the guide protrusion and guided to the guide groove. The cam follower rotates by an angle slightly larger than 1/2 tooth. As a result, the first and second ratchet teeth again engage with each other by slightly shifting the apexes of the ridges, and the cam follower and the operating body are each pushed up to their original height positions by the resilient force of the return spring. It will be.

しかしながら、上記のプッシュスイッチ装置では、操作体に対するプッシュ操作力を除去すると該操作体が常に元の高さ位置（非操作位置）まで押し上げられてしまうため、例えばスイッチオン状態とスイッチオフ状態という相異なる接点切換え状態が操作体の高さ位置を見ただけでは識別できないという不具合があった。 However, in the above-described push switch device, if the push operation force on the operation body is removed, the operation body is always pushed up to the original height position (non-operation position). There was a problem that different contact switching states could not be identified only by looking at the height position of the operating body.

一方、他の従来例として、非操作位置にある操作体（プランジャ）をプッシュ操作すると接点切換え動作が行われると共に、カムフォロワ（スリーブ）が下動後に所定角度回転してそのカム部（ラッチドッグ）がハウジング内面の係合段部（ラッチポケット）に係止され、この状態で操作体を再びプッシュ操作すると、先程とは異なる接点切換え動作が行われると共に、カム部が係合段部から外れてカムフォロワが復帰ばねの弾発力で上動し、それに伴い操作体が非操作位置まで押し上げられるという構成のプッシュスイッチ装置が提案されている（例えば、特許文献２参照）。このように概略構成された従来のプッシュスイッチ装置では、操作体のプッシュ操作を繰り返すことでカムフォロワを異なる高さ位置に交互に保持することができるため、カムフォロワ上に搭載された操作体の高さ位置を接点切換え状態に応じて異ならせることが可能となる。それゆえ、例えば操作体がハウジングから大きく突出しているときにはスイッチオフ状態で、操作体の突出量が小さいときにはスイッチオン状態である、といった識別が目視によって瞬時に行えるようになる。
特開２００４−２５３３６８号公報米国特許第４３１７０１５号明細書 On the other hand, as another conventional example, when the operating body (plunger) in the non-operating position is pushed, a contact switching operation is performed, and the cam follower (sleeve) is rotated by a predetermined angle after being lowered, and the cam portion (latch dog). Is locked to the engagement step (latch pocket) on the inner surface of the housing, and when the operating body is pushed again in this state, the contact switching operation different from the previous one is performed and the cam portion is disengaged from the engagement step. A push switch device has been proposed in which the cam follower is moved up by the resilient force of the return spring, and the operation body is pushed up to the non-operation position accordingly (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In the conventional push switch device schematically configured in this way, the cam follower can be held alternately at different height positions by repeating the push operation of the operation body, so that the height of the operation body mounted on the cam follower The position can be changed according to the contact switching state. Therefore, for example, when the operating body projects greatly from the housing, the switch is in the off state, and when the operating body has a small projection amount, the switch is on.
JP 2004-253368 A U.S. Pat. No. 4,317,015

前述したように、特許文献２に開示されたプッシュスイッチ装置を用いれば、操作体のハウジングからの突出量を見ただけで接点切換え状態を瞬時に識別できるため便利であるが、このようなスイッチ装置の設置される場所が天井面や斜め下方を向いた傾斜面等である場合には、操作体の突出量に基づいて接点切換え状態を識別することが困難となる。すなわち、この種のプッシュスイッチ装置が下向きあるいは斜め下向きに設置された場合、カムフォロワがハウジング内へ深く没入した状態で係止されているときに操作体が自重で非操作位置へ戻ってしまうため、操作力が付与されていない操作体は接点切換え状態に拘らず常に非操作位置に配置されてしまうことになる。また、この種のプッシュスイッチ装置が振動の影響を受けやすい車室内等に設置された場合には、操作体が軸線方向へ自由に移動してラットルノイズと呼ばれる異音を生じやすいという問題もあった。 As described above, the use of the push switch device disclosed in Patent Document 2 is convenient because the contact switching state can be instantly identified simply by looking at the amount of protrusion of the operating body from the housing. When the place where the device is installed is a ceiling surface, an inclined surface facing diagonally downward, or the like, it is difficult to identify the contact switching state based on the protruding amount of the operating body. That is, when this type of push switch device is installed downward or obliquely downward, the operating body returns to the non-operating position under its own weight when the cam follower is locked in a deeply immersed state in the housing. An operating body to which no operating force is applied is always placed at the non-operating position regardless of the contact switching state. In addition, when this type of push switch device is installed in a vehicle interior that is susceptible to vibration, there is also a problem that the operating body is free to move in the axial direction and easily generate abnormal noise called rattle noise. It was.

本発明は、このような従来技術の実情に鑑みてなされたもので、その目的は、操作体の突出量を見ただけで接点切換え状態を識別できると共にラットルノイズが発生する虞のないプッシュスイッチ装置を提供することにある。 The present invention has been made in view of such a state of the art, and an object thereof is a push switch that can identify a contact switching state only by looking at a protruding amount of an operating body and does not cause a rattle noise. To provide an apparatus.

上記の目的を達成するため、本発明のプッシュスイッチ装置は、回転規制部および復帰規制部を有するガイド部が内面に形成された中空構造のハウジングと、前記回転規制部に案内されて軸線方向へ昇降可能であると共に、円周方向へ延びる第１のラチェット歯が形成された操作体と、前記回転規制部および前記復帰規制部に案内されるカム部を有して前記ハウジングの内部で軸線方向へ昇降可能かつ円周方向へ回転可能であると共に、前記第１のラチェット歯に係合する第２のラチェット歯が形成されたカムフォロワと、前記第１および第２のラチェット歯が噛合するように前記カムフォロワを軸線方向へ常時弾性付勢する復帰ばねと、前記カムフォロワに連動した位置変化が可能な作動部材と、この作動部材の位置変化に応じて動作する接点切換え機構とを備え、前記カムフォロワが回転中心部に軸孔を有すると共に、前記操作体が前記軸孔に遊挿される軸部を有し、この軸部の先端部に前記軸孔よりも大径な環状部材を取り付けて抜け止め部となし、非操作位置にある前記操作体をプッシュ操作して前記カム部を前記回転規制部から離脱させることによって、このカム部が前記復帰規制部へ移行するのに伴い前記カムフォロワが回転して前記作動部材が位置を変化させると共に、前記カム部が前記復帰規制部に係止された段階で前記操作体の復帰動作が前記カムフォロワによって規制されるプッシュロック状態となり、かつ、前記プッシュロック状態で前記操作体をプッシュ操作して前記カム部を前記復帰規制部から離脱させることによって、このカム部が前記回転規制部へ移行するのに伴い前記カムフォロワが回転して前記作動部材が位置を変化させると共に、前記操作体の復帰動作が許容されるように構成した。
In order to achieve the above object, a push switch device according to the present invention includes a hollow housing in which a guide portion having a rotation restricting portion and a return restricting portion is formed on an inner surface, and guided in the axial direction by the rotation restricting portion. An operating body that is capable of ascending and descending and has a first ratchet tooth extending in the circumferential direction, and a cam portion guided by the rotation restricting portion and the return restricting portion and having an axial direction inside the housing So that the first and second ratchet teeth mesh with a cam follower formed with a second ratchet tooth that engages with the first ratchet tooth. A return spring that constantly elastically biases the cam follower in the axial direction, an actuating member that can change its position in conjunction with the cam follower, and operates according to the change in position of the actuating member And a point switching mechanism, together with the cam follower has an axial hole in the rotation center, the operating body has a shaft portion which is loosely inserted into the shaft hole, larger than the shaft hole at the tip portion of the shaft portion A cam ring is moved to the return regulating portion by attaching a circular ring member to form a retaining portion and pushing the operating body in a non-operating position to release the cam portion from the rotation regulating portion. Accordingly, the cam follower rotates to change the position of the operating member, and the return movement of the operating body is restricted by the cam follower when the cam portion is locked to the return restriction portion. The cam portion is moved to the rotation restricting portion by pushing the operating body in the push-locked state and releasing the cam portion from the return restricting portion. Together with the cam follower with to line changing the actuating member is positioned to rotate, returning operation of the operating body is configured to be allowed.

このように構成されたプッシュスイッチ装置では、非操作位置にある操作体をプッシュ操作してカムフォロワのカム部をハウジング内面の回転規制部から離脱させることによって、カム部がハウジング内面の復帰規制部に係止され、こうして係止されたカムフォロワが操作体の復帰動作を規制するため、操作体がハウジングからの突出量を小とする位置に保持されるプッシュロック状態を実現することができる。また、かかるプッシュロック状態の操作体をプッシュ操作してカムフォロワのカム部を復帰規制部から離脱させることによって復帰動作が許容されるため、操作体はハウジングからの突出量を大とする非操作位置へ戻ることになる。そして、各プッシュ操作時にそれぞれ作動部材が位置を変化させて接点切換え動作が行われるため、このプッシュスイッチ装置はどのような向きに設置されていても、操作体のハウジングからの突出量を見れば接点切換え状態を瞬時に識別できる。また、操作体は操作力が付与されていないときにも軸線方向へ自由に移動することはできないので、このプッシュスイッチ装置が振動の影響を受けやすい車室内等に設置された場合にも操作体がラットルノイズを生じる可能性は低い。しかも、操作体の軸部の先端部に取り付けた別体の環状部材を抜け止め部となし、この抜け止め部をカムフォロワの軸孔周縁部に当接させることによって操作体の復帰動作を確実に規制することができるため、操作体の昇降動作やカムフォロワの回転動作に悪影響を及ぼす虞のない簡素な構造によってプッシュロック状態が実現できるようになる。
In the push switch device configured as described above, the cam portion of the cam follower is detached from the rotation restricting portion on the inner surface of the housing by pushing the operating body at the non-operating position, so that the cam portion becomes the return restricting portion on the inner surface of the housing. The cam follower that is locked and thus locked restricts the return operation of the operating body, so that it is possible to realize a push lock state in which the operating body is held at a position where the amount of protrusion from the housing is small. In addition, since the return operation is permitted by pushing the operating body in such a push-locked state and detaching the cam part of the cam follower from the return restricting part, the operating body has a non-operating position in which the amount of protrusion from the housing is large. Will return. And, since the operation member changes the position during each push operation and the contact switching operation is performed, this push switch device can be installed in any direction as long as the amount of protrusion from the housing of the operating body is seen. Contact switching status can be identified instantly. In addition, since the operating body cannot move freely in the axial direction even when no operating force is applied, the operating body can be operated even when this push switch device is installed in a vehicle interior that is susceptible to vibration. Is unlikely to produce rattle noise. In addition, a separate annular member attached to the tip of the shaft portion of the operating body is used as a retaining portion, and the retaining portion is brought into contact with the peripheral edge of the shaft hole of the cam follower to ensure the return operation of the operating body. Since it can be regulated, the push-lock state can be realized by a simple structure that does not adversely affect the raising / lowering operation of the operating body and the rotating operation of the cam follower.

また、上記の構成において、操作体とカムフォロワとの間に復帰ばねよりもばね荷重の小さい弾性部材が介設されていると、復帰ばねの動作を阻害することなくカムフォロワに対する操作体のガタを抑制できるため好ましい。この場合において、復帰ばねと弾性部材がいずれもコイルスプリングからなると共に、これら一対のコイルスプリングがカムフォロワの隔壁部分を介して同心円状に配置されていると、スイッチ装置全体の高さ寸法を大幅に低減できる。 In the above configuration, when an elastic member having a smaller spring load than the return spring is interposed between the operating body and the cam follower, the backlash of the operating body with respect to the cam follower is suppressed without hindering the operation of the return spring. This is preferable because it is possible. In this case, if the return spring and the elastic member are both coil springs, and the pair of coil springs are arranged concentrically via the partition wall of the cam follower, the overall height of the switch device is greatly increased. Can be reduced.

また、上記の構成において、作動部材が、カムフォロワの回転力が伝達される複数の起立片を有して該カムフォロワにスプライン結合されていると共に、これら複数の起立片の径方向内側の空間に、一端部をカムフォロワに弾接させて他端部を作動部材に弾接させたコイルスプリングからなる復帰ばねが配置されており、かつ前記起立片の先端部に、組立時に復帰ばねの弾発力に抗してカムフォロワに掛止される掛止部が形成されていると、組立時に操作体とカムフォロワと作動部材および復帰ばねをユニット化して取り扱うことができるため、組立作業性の向上が図れる。 Further, in the above configuration, the operating member has a plurality of standing pieces to which the rotational force of the cam follower is transmitted and is splined to the cam follower, and in the radially inner space of the plurality of standing pieces, A return spring consisting of a coil spring having one end elastically contacted with the cam follower and the other end elastically contacted with the actuating member is disposed, and at the tip of the upright piece, the elastic force of the return spring during assembly is provided. If the latching portion that is latched by the cam follower is formed, the operating body, the cam follower, the actuating member, and the return spring can be handled as a unit at the time of assembly, so that the assembly workability can be improved.

また、上記の構成において、作動部材がカムフォロワにスプライン結合されて一体的に回転可能であると共に、接点切換え機構が、ハウジングに保持された固定接点と、作動部材に保持されて前記固定接点に接離可能な可動接点とを備えていると、所望の機能を有する簡素な構造のプッシュスイッチ装置が実現できる。この場合において、ハウジングが、前記ガイド部が内壁面に形成されたケースと、前記固定接点が内底面に配設されたウエハとを組み合わせて構成されていると、ハウジングの製造が容易となる。 In the above configuration, the actuating member is splined to the cam follower and can rotate integrally, and the contact switching mechanism includes a fixed contact held by the housing and a fixed contact held by the actuating member to contact the fixed contact. When the movable contact is provided, a push switch device having a simple structure having a desired function can be realized. In this case, when the housing is configured by combining a case in which the guide portion is formed on the inner wall surface and a wafer in which the fixed contact is disposed on the inner bottom surface, the housing can be easily manufactured.

本発明のプッシュスイッチ装置によれば、非操作位置にある操作体をプッシュ操作してカムフォロワのカム部をハウジング内面の回転規制部から離脱させると、カム部がハウジング内面の復帰規制部に係止されてカムフォロワが操作体の復帰動作を規制するため、操作体がハウジングからの突出量を小とする位置に保持されるプッシュロック状態を実現することができると共に、プッシュロック状態の操作体をプッシュ操作してカム部を復帰規制部から離脱させると、復帰動作が許容されて操作体をハウジングからの突出量が大なる非操作位置へ戻すことができる。そのため、このプッシュスイッチ装置はどのような向きに設置されていても、操作体のハウジングからの突出量を見れば接点切換え状態を瞬時に識別でき、使い勝手を高めることができる。また、操作体は操作力が付与されていないときにも軸線方向へ自由に移動することはできないので、このプッシュスイッチ装置が振動の影響を受けやすい車室内等に設置された場合にも、操作体がラットルノイズを生じる可能性は低い。しかも、操作体の軸部の先端部に取り付けた別体の環状部材を抜け止め部となし、この抜け止め部をカムフォロワの軸孔周縁部に当接させることによって操作体の復帰動作を確実に規制することができるため、操作体の昇降動作やカムフォロワの回転動作に悪影響を及ぼす虞のない簡素な構造によってプッシュロック状態が実現できるようになる。 According to the push switch device of the present invention, when the operating body in the non-operating position is pushed to disengage the cam portion of the cam follower from the rotation restricting portion on the inner surface of the housing, the cam portion is locked to the return restricting portion on the inner surface of the housing. Since the cam follower regulates the return operation of the operating body, it is possible to realize a push lock state in which the operating body is held at a position where the projection amount from the housing is small, and push the operating body in the push locked state. When the cam portion is operated and separated from the return regulating portion, the return operation is allowed and the operating body can be returned to the non-operation position where the amount of protrusion from the housing is large. Therefore, regardless of the orientation of the push switch device, the contact switching state can be instantly identified by looking at the amount of protrusion of the operating body from the housing, and the usability can be improved. In addition, since the operating body cannot move freely in the axial direction even when no operating force is applied, the operation body can be operated even when this push switch device is installed in a vehicle interior that is susceptible to vibration. The body is unlikely to produce rattle noise. In addition, a separate annular member attached to the tip of the shaft portion of the operating body is used as a retaining portion, and the retaining portion is brought into contact with the peripheral edge of the shaft hole of the cam follower to ensure the return operation of the operating body. Since it can be regulated, the push-lock state can be realized by a simple structure that does not adversely affect the raising / lowering operation of the operating body and the rotating operation of the cam follower.

発明の実施の形態について図面を参照して説明すると、図１は本発明の実施形態例に係るプッシュスイッチ装置の正面図、図２は該プッシュスイッチ装置を斜め上方から見た斜視図、図３は該プッシュスイッチ装置を斜め下方から見た斜視図、図４は図３のＡ−Ａ線に沿う断面図、図５は図４の要部拡大図、図６は図３のＢ−Ｂ線に沿う断面図、図７は該プッシュスイッチ装置の復帰状態を示す断面図、図８は該プッシュスイッチ装置のフルストローク状態を示す断面図、図９は該プッシュスイッチ装置のプッシュロック状態を示す断面図、図１０は該プッシュスイッチ装置の分解斜視図、図１１は該プッシュスイッチ装置に備えられるケースの平面図、図１２は図１１のＣ−Ｃ線に沿う断面図、図１３は該ケースの底面図、図１４は該ケースに形成されたガイド部を展開して示す説明図、図１５は該プッシュスイッチ装置に備えられる操作体の正面図、図１６は該操作体の平面図、図１７は該操作体の底面図、図１８は該操作体に形成された第１のラチェット歯を展開して示す説明図、図１９は該プッシュスイッチ装置に備えられるカムフォロワの正面図、図２０は該カムフォロワの平面図、図２１は該カムフォロワの底面図、図２２は該カムフォロワに形成された第２のラチェット歯を展開して示す説明図、図２３は該プッシュスイッチ装置に備えられる可動接点の平面図、図２４は該プッシュスイッチ装置に備えられるウエハの正面図、図２５は該ウエハの平面図、図２６は該ウエハの底面図、図２７は該プッシュスイッチ装置の一連の動作に対応する第１および第２のラチェット歯やカム部の位置変化を示す説明図である。 FIG. 1 is a front view of a push switch device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the push switch device as viewed obliquely from above, and FIG. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the push switch device as viewed obliquely from below, Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the main part of Fig. 4, and Fig. 6 is a line BB in Fig. 3. FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing the return state of the push switch device, FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the full stroke state of the push switch device, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the push lock state of the push switch device. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the push switch device, FIG. 11 is a plan view of a case provided in the push switch device, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 11, and FIG. The bottom view and FIG. FIG. 15 is a front view of an operating body provided in the push switch device, FIG. 16 is a plan view of the operating body, and FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the operating body. 18 is an explanatory view showing the developed first ratchet teeth formed on the operating body, FIG. 19 is a front view of a cam follower provided in the push switch device, FIG. 20 is a plan view of the cam follower, and FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the cam follower, FIG. 22 is an explanatory view showing the second ratchet teeth formed on the cam follower, FIG. 23 is a plan view of a movable contact provided in the push switch device, and FIG. 24 is the push switch. FIG. 25 is a plan view of the wafer, FIG. 26 is a bottom view of the wafer, and FIG. 27 is a first and second lattice corresponding to a series of operations of the push switch device. It is an explanatory view showing a positional change of Tsu preparative teeth and the cam portion.

図１〜図１０に示すように、本実施形態例に係るプッシュスイッチ装置１は、内部を中空構造にしたケース２と、軸線方向（上下方向）へ昇降可能な操作体３と、操作体３の昇降動作に伴って軸線方向へ昇降可能かつ円周方向へ回転可能なカムフォロワ４と、操作体３とカムフォロワ４の間に介設された弾性部材である第１のコイルスプリング５と、カムフォロワ４にスプライン結合されて一体的に回転可能な作動部材６と、カムフォロワ４と作動部材６の間に介設された復帰ばねである第２のコイルスプリング７と、作動部材６を回転可能に支持してケース２の下部開口端を蓋閉するウエハ８と、ケース２およびウエハ８を抱持するように取り付けられた取付板９とを備えており、ケース２とウエハ８とによってハウジング１０が構成されている。 As shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, a push switch device 1 according to this embodiment includes a case 2 having a hollow structure inside, an operating body 3 that can be moved up and down in the axial direction (vertical direction), and an operating body 3. The cam follower 4 that can be moved up and down in the axial direction and rotated in the circumferential direction in accordance with the lifting and lowering operation of the cam, the first coil spring 5 that is an elastic member interposed between the operating body 3 and the cam follower 4, and the cam follower 4 And an actuating member 6 that is spline coupled to the cam follower 4 and a second coil spring 7 that is a return spring interposed between the cam follower 4 and the actuating member 6 and rotatably supports the actuating member 6. And a mounting plate 9 that is attached so as to hold the case 2 and the wafer 8. A housing 10 is constituted by the case 2 and the wafer 8. There.

ケース２はＰＢＴ（ポリブチレンテレフタレート）等の合成樹脂材料によって成形されている。図１０〜図１４に示すように、ケース２は円形の上部開口端２ａの下方が円柱状の内部空間となっており、この内部空間の周壁にガイド部１１が形成されていると共に、ケース２の下部に、ウエハ８の上部に嵌合させるための凹段部２ｂや突堤部２ｃが形成されている。ガイド部１１は、軸線方向へ延びる凹溝状の回転規制部１１ａと、回転規制部１１ａの下部の一側に連通するテーパ溝状の導入部１１ｂと、導入部１１ｂの先細りな一側に隣接するテーパ溝状の復帰規制部１１ｃとを４つずつ形成したものであり、円周方向に沿う９０度の角度範囲内にそれぞれ回転規制部１１ａと導入部１１ｂおよび復帰規制部１１ｃが連設されている。このガイド部１１は、操作体３の一部やカムフォロワ４の一部を係合させることによって所定方向への移動を案内したり規制するためのものである。なお、ケース２の下部とウエハ８の上部とを嵌め合わせて構成される直方体状の筐体がハウジング１０であり、このハウジング１０に金属板からなる取付板９を取り付けることによってケース２とウエハ８が確実に一体化されている。すなわち、上部開口端２ａを露出させる大径な円形孔９ａを有する取付板９をケース２に外装し、この取付板９の下端側の４箇所に形成されている切欠き部９ｂをそれぞれウエハ８の外壁隅部の係合突起１８にスナップ嵌合させることによって、ケース２がウエハ８から脱落しないようになっている。 Case 2 is formed of a synthetic resin material such as PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). As shown in FIGS. 10 to 14, the case 2 has a cylindrical internal space below the circular upper opening end 2 a, and a guide portion 11 is formed on the peripheral wall of the internal space. A recessed step portion 2b and a jetty portion 2c for being fitted to the upper portion of the wafer 8 are formed in the lower portion of the wafer. The guide portion 11 is adjacent to a groove-shaped rotation restricting portion 11a extending in the axial direction, a tapered groove-shaped introducing portion 11b communicating with one side of the lower portion of the rotation restricting portion 11a, and a tapered one side of the introducing portion 11b. The four taper groove-shaped return restriction portions 11c are formed, and the rotation restriction portion 11a, the introduction portion 11b, and the return restriction portion 11c are connected to each other within an angle range of 90 degrees along the circumferential direction. ing. The guide portion 11 is for guiding or regulating movement in a predetermined direction by engaging a part of the operating body 3 or a part of the cam follower 4. A rectangular parallelepiped housing configured by fitting the lower part of the case 2 and the upper part of the wafer 8 is the housing 10, and the case 2 and the wafer 8 are attached to the housing 10 by attaching a mounting plate 9 made of a metal plate. Are securely integrated. That is, the mounting plate 9 having a large-diameter circular hole 9a that exposes the upper opening end 2a is externally mounted on the case 2, and the notches 9b formed at four positions on the lower end side of the mounting plate 9 are respectively formed on the wafer 8. The case 2 is prevented from falling off the wafer 8 by being snap-fitted to the engaging protrusions 18 at the corners of the outer wall.

操作体３はエラストマー等によって成形されている。図１０や図１５〜図１８に示すように、この操作体３は、上方へ突出する操作軸３ａと、操作軸３ａの下方へ突出する貫通軸３ｂと、操作軸３ａの下端に連続する大径部分で貫通軸３ｂを囲繞する筒状部３ｃと、筒状部３ｃの下端周縁部から外方へＬ字状に突出する４片の被ガイド脚部３ｄとを有しており、筒状部３ｃの下端面には円周方向に沿って第１のラチェット歯１２が形成されている。この第１のラチェット歯１２は、円周方向に交互に連続する４つの山部１２ａと４つの谷部１２ｂを有している。そして、各被ガイド脚部３ｄがケース２の内面の凹溝状の回転規制部１１ａに挿入されるため、操作体３は軸線方向への昇降動作が案内されるが、円周方向への回転動作は規制される。筒状部３ｃと貫通軸３ｂとの間には円筒状の内部空間が画成されており、この内部空間に第１のコイルスプリング５やカムフォロワ４が組み込まれて、カムフォロワ４の軸孔４ａに貫通軸３ｂが遊挿されるようになっている。ただし、貫通軸３ｂの先端部にはワッシャ等の環状部材である抜け止め部１３が取り付けられており、この抜け止め部１３が軸孔４ａよりも大径なため、貫通軸３ｂの先端部が軸孔４ａを通過して上方へ移動することはない。 The operation body 3 is formed of an elastomer or the like. As shown in FIG. 10 and FIGS. 15 to 18, the operating body 3 includes an operating shaft 3 a that protrudes upward, a penetrating shaft 3 b that protrudes downward from the operating shaft 3 a, and a large portion that is continuous with the lower end of the operating shaft 3 a. It has a cylindrical portion 3c that surrounds the through-shaft 3b at the diameter portion, and four pieces of guided leg portions 3d that protrude outward in an L shape from the peripheral edge at the lower end of the cylindrical portion 3c. First ratchet teeth 12 are formed along the circumferential direction on the lower end surface of the portion 3c. The first ratchet teeth 12 have four crests 12a and four troughs 12b that are alternately continuous in the circumferential direction. Since each guided leg 3d is inserted into the groove-shaped rotation restricting portion 11a on the inner surface of the case 2, the operating body 3 is guided in the axial movement, but is rotated in the circumferential direction. Operation is restricted. A cylindrical internal space is defined between the cylindrical portion 3c and the through shaft 3b, and the first coil spring 5 and the cam follower 4 are incorporated into the internal space, and the shaft hole 4a of the cam follower 4 is assembled. The penetration shaft 3b is loosely inserted. However, a retaining portion 13 that is an annular member such as a washer is attached to the tip of the penetrating shaft 3b. Since the retaining portion 13 is larger in diameter than the shaft hole 4a, the tip of the penetrating shaft 3b is It does not move upward through the shaft hole 4a.

カムフォロワ４は摺動性に優れた合成樹脂材料によって成形されている。図１０や図１９〜図２２に示すように、このカムフォロワ４は、回転中心部に開設された軸孔４ａの周縁部から起立する円筒状の内筒部４ｂと、内筒部４ｂの上端に連続して該内筒部４ｂを囲繞する外筒部４ｃと、外筒部４ｃの下端に連続する円環状の鍔部４ｄとを有しており、鍔部４ｄの上面には第２のラチェット歯１４が形成されている。また、鍔部４ｄの外周面の等間隔な４箇所には、上面が傾斜面となっているカム部１５が突設されており、鍔部４ｄの内周部には対向する２箇所に切欠き状の係合溝１６が設けられている。カムフォロワ４の内筒部４ｂおよび外筒部４ｃは操作体３の筒状部３ｃ内に組み込まれて、軸孔４ａに貫通軸３ｂが遊挿され、内筒部４ｂと貫通軸３ｂの間に配置された第１のコイルスプリング５の両端が軸孔４ａの周縁部と筒状部３ｃの天井面に弾接するようになっている。また、鍔部４ｄの上面が筒状部３ｃの下端面と対向するため、第２のラチェット歯１４が第１のラチェット歯１２と係合し、カム部１５はケース２内面のガイド部１１と係合可能な位置に配置される。そして、カム部１５が回転規制部１１ａ内に位置するとき、カムフォロワ４は、軸線方向への昇降動作は案内されるが、円周方向への回転動作は規制される。また、カム部１５が復帰規制部１１ｃに係止されると、カムフォロワ４は上動および回転が規制されるようになっている。第２のラチェット歯１４は、第１のラチェット歯１２と同様に、円周方向に交互に連続する４つの山部１４ａと４つの谷部１４ｂを有しているが、各山部１２ａの頂部が鋸歯状であるのに対し各山部１４ａの頂部は丸みを帯びている。このカムフォロワ４は、内筒部４ｂと外筒部４ｃの間に配置される第２のコイルスプリング７によって上方へ常時弾性付勢されているため、第２のラチェット歯１４が第１のラチェット歯１２に弾接して噛合するようになっている。また、第２のコイルスプリング７の弾発力に抗して操作体３がプッシュ操作されるとカムフォロワ４も一体的に下降するが、操作体３のプッシュ操作時に第１のラチェット歯１２の山部１２ａが第２のラチェット歯１４の山部１４ａの傾斜面を押し込むように設定されているため、操作体３のプッシュ操作によってカム部１５が回転規制部１１ａや復帰規制部１１ｃから離脱すると、カムフォロワ４は円周方向へ所定角度回転するようになっている。なお、鍔部４ｄの内周部の係合溝１６は、作動部材６をスプライン結合させるためのものである。 The cam follower 4 is formed of a synthetic resin material having excellent slidability. As shown in FIG. 10 and FIGS. 19 to 22, the cam follower 4 includes a cylindrical inner cylinder portion 4 b erected from the peripheral edge portion of the shaft hole 4 a formed in the rotation center portion, and an upper end of the inner cylinder portion 4 b. It has an outer cylinder part 4c that continuously surrounds the inner cylinder part 4b, and an annular collar part 4d that is continuous with the lower end of the outer cylinder part 4c, and a second ratchet on the upper surface of the collar part 4d. Teeth 14 are formed. In addition, cam portions 15 having an inclined upper surface are projected at four equally spaced locations on the outer peripheral surface of the flange portion 4d, and are cut at two locations facing the inner peripheral portion of the flange portion 4d. A notch-like engagement groove 16 is provided. The inner cylindrical portion 4b and the outer cylindrical portion 4c of the cam follower 4 are incorporated in the cylindrical portion 3c of the operating body 3, and the through-shaft 3b is loosely inserted into the shaft hole 4a, and between the inner cylindrical portion 4b and the through-shaft 3b. Both ends of the arranged first coil spring 5 are in elastic contact with the peripheral edge of the shaft hole 4a and the ceiling surface of the cylindrical portion 3c. Further, since the upper surface of the flange portion 4d faces the lower end surface of the cylindrical portion 3c, the second ratchet teeth 14 are engaged with the first ratchet teeth 12, and the cam portion 15 is connected to the guide portion 11 on the inner surface of the case 2. It arrange | positions in the position which can be engaged. And when the cam part 15 is located in the rotation control part 11a, although the cam follower 4 is guided to the raising / lowering operation to an axial direction, the rotation operation to the circumference direction is controlled. Further, when the cam portion 15 is locked to the return restricting portion 11c, the cam follower 4 is restricted from moving up and rotating. Like the first ratchet teeth 12, the second ratchet teeth 14 have four crests 14a and four troughs 14b that are alternately continuous in the circumferential direction, but the top of each crest 12a. Is serrated, while the top of each peak 14a is rounded. Since the cam follower 4 is always elastically urged upward by the second coil spring 7 disposed between the inner cylinder portion 4b and the outer cylinder portion 4c, the second ratchet teeth 14 are the first ratchet teeth. 12 is adapted to be brought into meshing engagement. Further, when the operating body 3 is pushed against the elastic force of the second coil spring 7, the cam follower 4 is also lowered integrally. However, when the operating body 3 is pushed, the first ratchet teeth 12 are crested. Since the portion 12a is set to push the inclined surface of the peak portion 14a of the second ratchet tooth 14, when the cam portion 15 is detached from the rotation restricting portion 11a and the return restricting portion 11c by the push operation of the operating body 3, The cam follower 4 is configured to rotate by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction. In addition, the engaging groove 16 of the inner peripheral part of the collar part 4d is for connecting the action | operation member 6 by spline.

作動部材６は摺動性に優れた合成樹脂材料によって成形されている。図７や図１０に示すように、この作動部材６は、ウエハ８の内底面に対向して配置される平板部６ａと、平板部６ａに立設されて相対向する一対の起立片６ｂと、平板部６ａの裏面に突設された環状突堤６ｃとを有しており、各起立片６ｂの先端部には若干幅広な掛止部６ｄが形成されている。各起立片６ｂは鍔部４ｄの各係合溝１６に挿通されて、カムフォロワ４の昇降動作は妨げないが鍔部４ｄを介して該カムフォロワ４の回転力が伝達されるようになっているため、作動部材６はカムフォロワ４にスプライン結合されて一体的に回転可能である。また、作動部材６の平板部６ａの裏面側には環状突堤６ｃの周囲に、可動接点１７が熱がしめ等の手段を用いて取り付けられている。この可動接点１７は図１０や図２３に示すように略円環状にフォーミングされており、その１８０度対向する位置に接点部１７ａが形成されている。作動部材６の各起立片６ｂの径方向内側の空間には第２のコイルスプリング７が組み込まれて、この第２のコイルスプリング７の両端が平板部６ａの上面とカムフォロワ４の天井面に弾接するようになっている。なお、第２のコイルスプリング７のばね荷重は第１のコイルスプリング５のばね荷重に比して十分に大きいものである。また、各起立片６ｂの先端部に形成された掛止部６ｄは、組立時に第２のコイルスプリング７の弾発力に抗してカムフォロワ４の係合溝１６近傍に掛止させるためのものであるが、その後、ケース２とウエハ８および取付板９を取り付けて組立を完了させると、第２のコイルスプリング７はより圧縮された状態に設定されるため、掛止部６ｄはカムフォロワ４から外れた位置に保たれる。 The actuating member 6 is formed of a synthetic resin material having excellent slidability. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the operating member 6 includes a flat plate portion 6 a that is disposed to face the inner bottom surface of the wafer 8, and a pair of upright pieces 6 b that are provided on the flat plate portion 6 a and face each other. And an annular jetty 6c protruding from the back surface of the flat plate portion 6a, and a slightly wide latching portion 6d is formed at the tip of each upright piece 6b. Each upright piece 6b is inserted into each engagement groove 16 of the flange 4d, and the cam follower 4 is not hindered from moving up and down, but the rotational force of the cam follower 4 is transmitted through the flange 4d. The actuating member 6 is splined to the cam follower 4 and can rotate integrally. Moreover, the movable contact 17 is attached to the back surface side of the flat plate portion 6a of the operating member 6 around the annular jetty 6c by means of heat or the like. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 23, the movable contact 17 is formed in a substantially annular shape, and a contact portion 17a is formed at a position opposed to the movable contact 17 by 180 degrees. A second coil spring 7 is incorporated in the radially inner space of each upright piece 6 b of the actuating member 6, and both ends of the second coil spring 7 are elastic on the upper surface of the flat plate portion 6 a and the ceiling surface of the cam follower 4. It comes to touch. The spring load of the second coil spring 7 is sufficiently larger than the spring load of the first coil spring 5. Further, the latching portion 6d formed at the tip of each standing piece 6b is for latching near the engagement groove 16 of the cam follower 4 against the elastic force of the second coil spring 7 during assembly. However, when the assembly is completed by attaching the case 2, the wafer 8 and the mounting plate 9 thereafter, the second coil spring 7 is set in a more compressed state, so that the latching portion 6d is separated from the cam follower 4. Kept in a detached position.

ウエハ８はＰＢＴ等の合成樹脂材料によって成形されており、その成形金型内に平板状の端子材２０をインサートすることによって、固定接点２１や外部端子２２が一体化されている。ウエハ８の内底面の中央部には、作動部材６の環状突堤６ｃ内に挿入されて平板部６ａを支持する円環状のガイド壁８ａが突設されており、このガイド壁８ａの外周面が環状突堤６ｃの内周面に摺接しているため、作動部材６の回転動作がガイド壁８ａに案内されて円滑に行われるようになっている。端子材２０は良導電性の金属板からなり、その一部がウエハ８の内底面の複数箇所に固定接点２１として露出していると共に、端子材２０の端部がウエハ８の側面の複数箇所から外部端子２２として外方へ突出している。ウエハ８の外底面には、各固定接点２１の裏面の一部が露出する複数の開口部８ｂが形成されている。これら開口部８ｂは、インサート成形時に端子材２０が樹脂圧で位置ずれを起こさないようにするために、金型内に挿入して固定接点２１に押し当てた図示せぬ押えピンの抜き跡である。また、ウエハ８の外底面の四隅（角隅領域）は肉厚な載置部８ｃとなっており、各載置部８ｃと開口部８ｂとの間には平面視弧状の溝部８ｄが刻設されている。なお、対角な位置関係にある２つの載置部８ｃの底面には、太さの異なる柱状の位置決め用突起８ｅ，８ｆが突設されている。 The wafer 8 is formed of a synthetic resin material such as PBT, and a fixed contact 21 and an external terminal 22 are integrated by inserting a flat terminal material 20 into the molding die. At the center of the inner bottom surface of the wafer 8, an annular guide wall 8a that is inserted into the annular jetty 6c of the operating member 6 and supports the flat plate portion 6a is projected, and the outer peripheral surface of this guide wall 8a is Since it is slidably contacted with the inner peripheral surface of the annular jetty 6c, the rotation of the actuating member 6 is guided by the guide wall 8a and smoothly performed. The terminal material 20 is made of a highly conductive metal plate, part of which is exposed as a fixed contact 21 at a plurality of locations on the inner bottom surface of the wafer 8, and the end of the terminal material 20 is a plurality of locations on the side surface of the wafer 8. Projecting outward as an external terminal 22. On the outer bottom surface of the wafer 8, a plurality of openings 8 b are formed through which a part of the back surface of each fixed contact 21 is exposed. These openings 8b are traces of presser pins (not shown) that are inserted into the mold and pressed against the fixed contacts 21 so that the terminal material 20 is not displaced by resin pressure during insert molding. is there. In addition, the four corners (corner corner regions) of the outer bottom surface of the wafer 8 are thick mounting portions 8c, and a groove 8d having an arcuate shape in plan view is formed between each mounting portion 8c and the opening 8b. Has been. In addition, columnar positioning protrusions 8e and 8f having different thicknesses protrude from the bottom surfaces of the two placement portions 8c having a diagonal positional relationship.

図１に示すように、本実施形態例に係るプッシュスイッチ装置１は、プリント基板３０上の所定位置に各載置部８ｃを搭載して各外部端子２２を該プリント基板３０の対応するランド部（図示せず）に半田付けすることによって面実装される。これら載置部８ｃはウエハ８の外底面の四隅に突設されているため、プッシュスイッチ１は安定した姿勢でプリント基板３０上に搭載でき、かつ搭載時には位置決め用突起８ｅ，８ｆがプリント基板３０の位置決め孔３１，３２に挿入されるため、プリント基板３０に対してプッシュスイッチ装置１を容易かつ正確に位置決めできるようになっている。また、図３や図２６に示すように、各載置部８ｃは、ウエハ８の外底面で連続する２つの辺縁と、これら２つの辺縁に両端が位置する溝部８ｄとによって包囲されている。すなわち、ウエハ８の外底面の角隅領域に形成された載置部８ｃが、この載置部８ｃに隣接して両端をウエハ８の側面に臨出させた溝部８ｄによって残余の領域から仕切られているため、半田付け工程で載置部８ｃとプリント基板３０との間に浸入したフラックスが該載置部８ｃを這い上がっても、開口部８ｂへ向かうフラックスは、溝部８ｄを渡り切らないと開口部８ｂまで到達することはできなくなっている。そして、溝部８ｄ内にフラックスが浸入しても、溝部８ｄの両端がウエハ８の側面に臨出しているため、フラックスは外方へ排出されやすく、それゆえフラックスが溝部８ｄを渡り切って開口部８ｂ内の端子材２０に付着する可能性は低い。また、載置部８ｃの溝部８ｄ側の外壁面がそのまま該溝部８ｄの内壁面と連続して高さ寸法の大きな立ち上がり面８ｇ（図５参照）が形成されているため、フラックスは載置部８ｃの先端から溝部８ｄの奥まで連続して延びる立ち上がり面８ｇを這い上がらなければ開口部８ｂへ到達できないようになっている。さらに、図５に示すように、溝部８ｄの断面形状は、隣接する載置部８ｃ側が直線状に起立して開口部８ｂ側が膨出状に湾曲する奥窄まりな形状となっているため、仮にフラックスが溝部８ｄから溢れたとしても開口部８ｂ側へは流れにくくなっている。 As shown in FIG. 1, the push switch device 1 according to the present embodiment has each mounting portion 8 c mounted at a predetermined position on the printed board 30, and each external terminal 22 is connected to a corresponding land portion of the printed board 30. Surface mounting is performed by soldering (not shown). Since these mounting portions 8c are projected at the four corners of the outer bottom surface of the wafer 8, the push switch 1 can be mounted on the printed circuit board 30 in a stable posture, and the positioning protrusions 8e and 8f are mounted on the printed circuit board 30 at the time of mounting. Therefore, the push switch device 1 can be easily and accurately positioned with respect to the printed circuit board 30. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 26, each mounting portion 8c is surrounded by two edges that are continuous on the outer bottom surface of the wafer 8, and groove portions 8d that are located at both ends of the two edges. Yes. In other words, the mounting portion 8c formed in the corner area of the outer bottom surface of the wafer 8 is separated from the remaining region by the groove portion 8d adjacent to the mounting portion 8c and projecting both ends to the side surface of the wafer 8. Therefore, even if the flux that has entered between the placement portion 8c and the printed circuit board 30 scoops up the placement portion 8c in the soldering process, the flux toward the opening portion 8b must cross the groove portion 8d. It is impossible to reach the opening 8b. Even if the flux enters the groove 8d, both ends of the groove 8d are exposed to the side surface of the wafer 8, so that the flux is easily discharged to the outside. Therefore, the flux crosses the groove 8d and opens. The possibility of adhering to the terminal material 20 in 8b is low. Further, since the outer wall surface on the groove portion 8d side of the mounting portion 8c is continuously formed with the inner wall surface of the groove portion 8d, a rising surface 8g (see FIG. 5) having a large height is formed, so that the flux is placed on the mounting portion. The opening 8b cannot be reached unless the rising surface 8g continuously extending from the tip of 8c to the back of the groove 8d is scooped up. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the cross-sectional shape of the groove 8d is a constricted shape in which the adjacent mounting portion 8c side rises linearly and the opening 8b side curves in a bulging shape. Even if the flux overflows from the groove 8d, it is difficult to flow toward the opening 8b.

次に、このように構成されるプッシュスイッチ装置１の動作を、図７〜図９や図２７を参照しつつ説明する。なお、図２７ではカムフォロワ４のカム部１５を１つだけ示しているが、他のカム部１５も同様に動作する。 Next, the operation of the push switch device 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9 and FIG. In FIG. 27, only one cam portion 15 of the cam follower 4 is shown, but the other cam portions 15 operate in the same manner.

図７は操作体３の操作軸３ａがプッシュ操作されていない初期状態（復帰状態）を示している。この初期状態において、操作体３は第１および第２のコイルスプリング５，７の弾発力によって非操作位置に保持されている。また、カムフォロワ４は第２のコイルスプリング７の弾発力によって上方へ付勢されており、操作体３の被ガイド脚部３ｄとカムフォロワ４のカム部１５はいずれもケース２内面のガイド部１１の回転規制部１１ａと係合している。したがって、操作体３およびカムフォロワ４は、回転規制部１１ａによって円周方向への回転動作が規制されている。このとき、図２７（ａ）に示すように、操作体３の第１のラチェット歯１２はカムフォロワ４の第２のラチェット歯１４の傾斜面と不安定位置で係合している。なお、かかる初期状態において、第１のコイルスプリング５は筒状部３ｃの天井面に弾接しているため、操作体３がカムフォロワ４に対してガタを生じることはない。ただし、第１のコイルスプリング５のばね荷重が第２のコイルスプリング７のばね荷重に比して十分に小さいため、復帰ばねである第２のコイルスプリング７の動作が第１のコイルスプリング５によって阻害されることはない。 FIG. 7 shows an initial state (return state) in which the operation shaft 3a of the operation body 3 is not pushed. In this initial state, the operating body 3 is held at the non-operating position by the resilient force of the first and second coil springs 5 and 7. Further, the cam follower 4 is biased upward by the elastic force of the second coil spring 7, and the guided leg portion 3 d of the operating body 3 and the cam portion 15 of the cam follower 4 are both guide portions 11 on the inner surface of the case 2. The rotation restricting portion 11a is engaged. Therefore, the operation body 3 and the cam follower 4 are restricted from rotating in the circumferential direction by the rotation restricting portion 11a. At this time, as shown in FIG. 27A, the first ratchet tooth 12 of the operating body 3 is engaged with the inclined surface of the second ratchet tooth 14 of the cam follower 4 at an unstable position. In this initial state, the first coil spring 5 is in elastic contact with the ceiling surface of the cylindrical portion 3 c, so that the operating body 3 does not rattle the cam follower 4. However, since the spring load of the first coil spring 5 is sufficiently smaller than the spring load of the second coil spring 7, the operation of the second coil spring 7 as a return spring is caused by the first coil spring 5. There is no inhibition.

操作体３が図７に示す非操作位置にあるとき、操作軸３ａを直接または図示せぬアクチュエータを介してプッシュ操作すると、図２７（ｂ）に示すように、第１のラチェット歯１２の山部１２ａが第２のラチェット歯１４の山部１４ａを押し込んでカム部１５が回転規制部１１ａから離脱するため、図２７（ｃ）に示すように、第２のコイルスプリング７の弾発力によって第２のラチェット歯１４の山部１４ａが第１のラチェット歯１２の谷部１２ｂと係合する安定位置へ移動し、この移動分だけカムフォロワ４が回転する。それゆえ、カムフォロワ４と一体的に作動部材６が回転して、固定接点２１に対する可動接点１７の接触位置が変化することによる第１の接点切換え動作（例えばスイッチオン動作）が行われる。なお、図２７（ｃ）はフルストローク状態を示している。そして、かかる操作体３に対するプッシュ操作後に操作力が除去されると、第２のコイルスプリング７の弾発力で押し上げられたカムフォロワ４のカム部１５が図２７（ｄ）に示すように復帰規制部１１ｃの傾斜面に弾接して、この傾斜面に沿うカム部１５の摺動に伴いカムフォロワ４が回転するため、図２７（ｅ）に示すように、カム部１５が復帰規制部１１ｃに係止された状態となる。すなわち、カムフォロワ４は上動と回転が規制されてケース２内で図９に示す高さ位置に保持されるため、第１のコイルスプリング５が操作体３を押し上げても、抜け止め部１３が軸孔４ａの周縁部に当接して操作体３の復帰動作は規制され、これにより操作体３はケース２からの突出量が小なる位置に保持されてプッシュロック状態となる。なお、かかるプッシュロック状態でも第１のコイルスプリング５は筒状部３ｃの天井面に弾接しているため、操作体３がカムフォロワ４に対してガタを生じることはない。 When the operating body 3 is in the non-operating position shown in FIG. 7, if the operating shaft 3a is pushed directly or via an actuator (not shown), the peak of the first ratchet teeth 12 is shown in FIG. Since the portion 12a pushes the peak portion 14a of the second ratchet tooth 14 and the cam portion 15 is detached from the rotation restricting portion 11a, the elastic force of the second coil spring 7 as shown in FIG. The crest portion 14a of the second ratchet tooth 14 moves to a stable position where it engages with the valley portion 12b of the first ratchet tooth 12, and the cam follower 4 rotates by this amount of movement. Therefore, the operation member 6 rotates integrally with the cam follower 4, and the first contact switching operation (for example, switch-on operation) is performed by changing the contact position of the movable contact 17 with respect to the fixed contact 21. FIG. 27 (c) shows a full stroke state. When the operation force is removed after the push operation on the operation body 3, the cam portion 15 of the cam follower 4 pushed up by the elastic force of the second coil spring 7 is returned to the position shown in FIG. Since the cam follower 4 rotates in contact with the inclined surface of the portion 11c and the cam portion 15 slides along the inclined surface, as shown in FIG. 27E, the cam portion 15 is engaged with the return regulating portion 11c. It will be stopped. That is, since the cam follower 4 is restricted in upward movement and rotation and is held in the height position shown in FIG. 9 in the case 2, even if the first coil spring 5 pushes up the operating body 3, the retaining portion 13 does not move. The return operation of the operating body 3 is restricted by coming into contact with the peripheral edge of the shaft hole 4a, whereby the operating body 3 is held at a position where the amount of protrusion from the case 2 is small and is in a push-lock state. Even in such a push-lock state, the first coil spring 5 is in elastic contact with the ceiling surface of the cylindrical portion 3 c, so that the operating body 3 does not rattle the cam follower 4.

図９に示すプッシュロック状態において、操作体３の操作軸３ａを直接または図示せぬアクチュエータを介してプッシュ操作すると、図２７（ｆ）に示すように、第１のラチェット歯１２の山部１２ａが第２のラチェット歯１４の山部１４ａを押し込んでカム部１５が復帰規制部１１ｃから離脱するため、図２７（ｇ）に示すように、第２のコイルスプリング７の弾発力によって第２のラチェット歯１４の山部１４ａが第１のラチェット歯１２の谷部１２ｂと係合する安定位置へ移動し、この移動分だけカムフォロワ４が回転する。それゆえ、カムフォロワ４と一体的に作動部材６が回転して、固定接点２１に対する可動接点１７の接触位置が変化することによる第２の接点切換え動作（例えばスイッチオフ動作）が行われる。なお、図２７（ｇ）はフルストローク状態を示している。そして、プッシュロック状態の操作体３に対するプッシュ操作後に操作力が除去されると、第２のコイルスプリング７の弾発力で押し上げられたカムフォロワ４のカム部１５が図２７（ｈ）に示すように導入部１１ｂの傾斜面に弾接して、この傾斜面に沿うカム部１５の摺動に伴いカムフォロワ４が回転するため、図２７（ｉ）に示すように、カム部１５が回転規制部１１ａへ導かれ、図２７（ｊ）に示すように、回転規制部１１ａ内でカム部１５が上昇するのに伴いカムフォロワ４が図７に示す高さ位置まで上動する。したがって、操作体３は非操作位置まで押し戻されて初期状態に復帰する。 In the push lock state shown in FIG. 9, when the operation shaft 3a of the operation body 3 is pushed directly or via an actuator (not shown), as shown in FIG. 27 (f), the peak portion 12a of the first ratchet tooth 12 is obtained. Pushes the peak portion 14a of the second ratchet tooth 14 and the cam portion 15 disengages from the return restricting portion 11c, so that the second force is generated by the elastic force of the second coil spring 7 as shown in FIG. The peak portion 14a of the ratchet tooth 14 moves to a stable position where it engages with the valley portion 12b of the first ratchet tooth 12, and the cam follower 4 rotates by this amount of movement. Therefore, the operation member 6 rotates integrally with the cam follower 4 to perform a second contact switching operation (for example, a switch-off operation) by changing the contact position of the movable contact 17 with respect to the fixed contact 21. FIG. 27 (g) shows a full stroke state. When the operation force is removed after the push operation on the operation body 3 in the push-lock state, the cam portion 15 of the cam follower 4 pushed up by the elastic force of the second coil spring 7 is as shown in FIG. Since the cam follower 4 rotates in contact with the inclined surface of the introduction portion 11b and the cam portion 15 slides along the inclined surface, as shown in FIG. 27 (i), the cam portion 15 is rotated by the rotation restricting portion 11a. As shown in FIG. 27 (j), the cam follower 4 moves up to the height position shown in FIG. 7 as the cam portion 15 rises in the rotation restricting portion 11a. Therefore, the operating body 3 is pushed back to the non-operating position and returns to the initial state.

以上説明したように、本実施形態例に係るプッシュスイッチ装置１は、非操作位置にある操作体３をプッシュ操作して、ケース２内面に設けられたガイド部１１の回転規制部１１ａからカムフォロワ４のカム部１５を離脱させることによって、このカム部１５がガイド部１１の復帰規制部１１ｃに係止され、こうして係止されたカムフォロワ４が操作体３の復帰動作を規制するため、操作体３がケース２からの突出量を小とする位置に保持されるプッシュロック状態を実現することができる。また、かかるプッシュロック状態の操作体３をプッシュ操作してカムフォロワ４のカム部１５を復帰規制部１１ｃから離脱させることによって復帰動作が許容されるため、操作体３はケース２からの突出量が大なる非操作位置へ戻ることになる。そして、各プッシュ操作時にそれぞれ作動部材６が位置を変化させて接点切換え動作が行われるため、このプッシュスイッチ装置１はどのような向きに設置（例えば車室内の天井面に下向きに設置）されていても、操作体３のケース２からの突出量を見れば接点切換え状態（例えばスイッチオン状態とスイッチオフ状態）を瞬時に識別でき、使い勝手のよいプッシュスイッチ装置１を実現できる。しかも、操作体３は操作力が付与されていないときにも軸線方向へ自由に移動することができず、かつ第１のコイルスプリング５によってカムフォロワ４に対する操作体３のガタも防止されているので、このプッシュスイッチ装置１は振動の影響を受けやすい車室内等に設置された場合にも、操作体３がラットルノイズを生じる可能性は低い。 As described above, the push switch device 1 according to this embodiment pushes the operating body 3 in the non-operation position, and the cam follower 4 from the rotation restricting portion 11a of the guide portion 11 provided on the inner surface of the case 2. By disengaging the cam portion 15, the cam portion 15 is locked to the return restricting portion 11 c of the guide portion 11, and the cam follower 4 thus locked restricts the return operation of the operating body 3. However, it is possible to realize a push lock state in which the protrusion amount from the case 2 is held at a position where the protrusion amount is small. Further, since the operation body 3 in the push lock state is pushed and the cam portion 15 of the cam follower 4 is separated from the return regulating portion 11c, the return operation is allowed. It will return to the large non-operation position. In addition, since the operation member 6 changes the position during each push operation and the contact switching operation is performed, the push switch device 1 is installed in any direction (for example, installed downward on the ceiling surface in the vehicle interior). However, if the amount of protrusion of the operating body 3 from the case 2 is seen, the contact switching state (for example, the switch-on state and the switch-off state) can be instantly identified, and the user-friendly push switch device 1 can be realized. Moreover, the operating body 3 cannot move freely in the axial direction even when no operating force is applied, and the play of the operating body 3 with respect to the cam follower 4 is prevented by the first coil spring 5. The push switch device 1 is less likely to cause rattle noise even when the push switch device 1 is installed in a vehicle interior that is susceptible to vibration.

また、上記のプッシュスイッチ装置１では、カムフォロワ４の回転中心部に設けられた軸孔４ａに操作体３の貫通軸３ｂを遊挿し、この貫通軸３ｂの先端部に軸孔４ａよりも大径な抜け止め部１３を取り付けることによって、抜け止め部１３が軸孔４ａの周縁部に当接して操作体４の復帰動作が確実に規制されるようになっている。したがって、操作体３の昇降動作やカムフォロワ４の回転動作に悪影響を及ぼす虞のない簡素な構造によってプッシュロック状態を実現することができる。しかも、組立時には軸孔４ａに貫通軸３ｂを挿通した後に抜け止め部１３を取り付ければよいため、操作体３とカムフォロワ４を容易に連結することができて組立作業性も良好となる。 Further, in the push switch device 1 described above, the through shaft 3b of the operating body 3 is loosely inserted into the shaft hole 4a provided in the rotation center portion of the cam follower 4, and the diameter of the through shaft 3b is larger than that of the shaft hole 4a. By attaching the retaining part 13, the retaining part 13 comes into contact with the peripheral part of the shaft hole 4 a and the return operation of the operating body 4 is reliably regulated. Therefore, the push-lock state can be realized by a simple structure that does not adversely affect the raising / lowering operation of the operating body 3 and the rotating operation of the cam follower 4. Moreover, since the retaining portion 13 may be attached after the through-shaft 3b is inserted into the shaft hole 4a at the time of assembly, the operating body 3 and the cam follower 4 can be easily connected, and the assembly workability is also improved.

また、上記のプッシュスイッチ装置１では、第１のコイルスプリング５と第２のコイルスプリング７がカムフォロワ４の内筒部４ｂ（隔壁部分）を介して同心円状に配置されているため、２つのコイルスプリングを用いているにも拘らずスイッチ装置全体の高さ寸法を大幅に低減できる。ただし、第１のコイルスプリング５はカムフォロワ４に対する操作体３のガタを防止するためのものなので、両者３，４のガタが問題とならない程度に小さい場合には、第１のコイルスプリング５を省略した構成にすることも可能である。 In the push switch device 1 described above, since the first coil spring 5 and the second coil spring 7 are arranged concentrically via the inner cylinder portion 4b (partition wall portion) of the cam follower 4, two coils are arranged. Despite the use of springs, the overall height of the switch device can be greatly reduced. However, since the first coil spring 5 is for preventing the play of the operating body 3 with respect to the cam follower 4, the first coil spring 5 is omitted when the play of both 3 and 4 is small enough not to cause a problem. It is also possible to adopt the configuration described above.

また、上記のプッシュスイッチ装置１では、カムフォロワ４の回転力が伝達される作動部材６の各起立片６ｂの先端部に、組立時に第２のコイルスプリング７の弾発力に抗してカムフォロワ４の係合溝１６近傍に掛止させるための掛止部６ｄが形成されているため、組立時には操作体３とカムフォロワ４および第１のコイルスプリング５をユニット化した後、このユニット品に第２のコイルスプリング７と作動部材６を組み付けてユニット化することができる。したがって、第１および第２のコイルスプリング５，７を組み込む構成であっても組立作業性が煩雑になることはない。 Further, in the push switch device 1 described above, the cam follower 4 is against the elastic force of the second coil spring 7 at the tip of each standing piece 6b of the operating member 6 to which the rotational force of the cam follower 4 is transmitted. Since a latching portion 6d for latching is formed in the vicinity of the engagement groove 16, the operation body 3, the cam follower 4 and the first coil spring 5 are unitized at the time of assembly. The coil spring 7 and the actuating member 6 can be assembled into a unit. Therefore, even if it is the structure which incorporates the 1st and 2nd coil springs 5 and 7, assembly workability does not become complicated.

なお、上記実施形態例では、作動部材６がカムフォロワ４と一体的に回転して接点切換え動作が行われる場合について説明したが、カムフォロワの回転に連動して作動部材が昇降し、この昇降動作に伴って接点切換え動作が行われるように構成することも可能である。また、ハウジング１０を一体成形品とすることも可能である。 In the above embodiment, the case where the operation member 6 rotates integrally with the cam follower 4 to perform the contact switching operation has been described. However, the operation member moves up and down in conjunction with the rotation of the cam follower. Along with this, it is possible to perform a contact switching operation. Further, the housing 10 can be an integrally molded product.

本発明の実施形態例に係るプッシュスイッチ装置の正面図である。It is a front view of the push switch device concerning the example of an embodiment of the present invention. 該プッシュスイッチ装置を斜め上方から見た斜視図である。It is the perspective view which looked at this push switch device from diagonally upward. 該プッシュスイッチ装置を斜め下方から見た斜視図である。It is the perspective view which looked at this push switch device from the slanting lower part. 図３のＡ−Ａ線に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing which follows the AA line of FIG. 図４の要部拡大図である。It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. 図３のＢ−Ｂ線に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing which follows the BB line of FIG. 該プッシュスイッチ装置の復帰状態を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the reset state of this push switch apparatus. 該プッシュスイッチ装置のフルストローク状態を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the full stroke state of this push switch apparatus. 該プッシュスイッチ装置のプッシュロック状態を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the push lock state of this push switch apparatus. 該プッシュスイッチ装置の分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view of this push switch apparatus. 該プッシュスイッチ装置に備えられるケースの平面図である。It is a top view of the case with which this push switch device is provided. 図１１のＣ−Ｃ線に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing which follows the CC line of FIG. 該ケースの底面図である。It is a bottom view of the case. 該ケースに形成されたガイド部を展開して示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which expand | deploys and shows the guide part formed in this case. 該プッシュスイッチ装置に備えられる操作体の正面図である。It is a front view of the operation body with which this push switch device is provided. 該操作体の平面図である。It is a top view of this operation body. 該操作体の底面図である。It is a bottom view of the operation body. 該操作体に形成された第１のラチェット歯を展開して示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which expand | deploys and shows the 1st ratchet tooth formed in this operation body. 該プッシュスイッチ装置に備えられるカムフォロワの正面図である。It is a front view of a cam follower provided in the push switch device. 該カムフォロワの平面図である。It is a top view of this cam follower. 該カムフォロワの底面図である。It is a bottom view of this cam follower. 該カムフォロワに形成された第２のラチェット歯を展開して示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which expand | deploys and shows the 2nd ratchet tooth formed in this cam follower. 該プッシュスイッチ装置に備えられる可動接点の平面図である。It is a top view of the movable contact with which this push switch device is equipped. 該プッシュスイッチ装置に備えられるウエハの正面図である。It is a front view of the wafer with which this push switch device is provided. 該ウエハの平面図である。It is a top view of this wafer. 該ウエハの底面図である。It is a bottom view of the wafer. 該プッシュスイッチ装置の一連の動作に対応する第１および第２のラチェット歯やカム部の位置変化を示す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing which shows the position change of the 1st and 2nd ratchet tooth | gear corresponding to a series of operation | movement of this push switch apparatus, or a cam part.

Explanation of symbols

１プッシュスイッチ装置
２ケース
３操作体
３ａ操作軸
３ｂ貫通軸（軸部）
３ｃ筒状部
３ｄ被ガイド脚部
４カムフォロワ
４ａ軸孔
４ｂ内筒部（隔壁部分）
４ｃ外筒部
５第１のコイルスプリング（弾性部材）
６作動部材
６ｂ起立片
６ｄ掛止部
７第２のコイルスプリング（復帰ばね）
８ウエハ
８ａガイド壁
９取付板
１０ハウジング
１１ガイド部
１１ａ回転規制部
１１ｂ導入部
１１ｃ復帰規制部
１２第１のラチェット歯
１３抜け止め部（環状部材）
１４第２のラチェット歯
１５カム部
１６係合溝
１７可動接点
２０端子材
２１固定接点
２２外部端子 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Push switch apparatus 2 Case 3 Operation body 3a Operation shaft 3b Through-shaft (shaft part)
3c Tubular part 3d Guided leg part 4 Cam follower 4a Shaft hole 4b Inner cylinder part (partition wall part)
4c outer cylinder part 5 1st coil spring (elastic member)
6 Actuating member 6b Standing piece 6d Hook part 7 Second coil spring (return spring)
8 Wafer 8a Guide wall 9 Mounting plate 10 Housing 11 Guide portion 11a Rotation restricting portion 11b Introducing portion 11c Return restricting portion 12 First ratchet teeth 13 Retaining portion (annular member)
14 Second ratchet teeth 15 Cam portion 16 Engaging groove 17 Movable contact 20 Terminal material 21 Fixed contact 22 External terminal

Claims

A hollow housing having a guide portion having a rotation restricting portion and a return restricting portion formed on the inner surface, and a first ratchet tooth that is guided by the rotation restricting portion and can be moved up and down in the axial direction and extends in the circumferential direction And a cam portion guided by the rotation restricting portion and the return restricting portion, and is movable up and down in the axial direction and rotatable in the circumferential direction inside the housing. A cam follower formed with a second ratchet tooth that engages with one ratchet tooth; a return spring that constantly elastically biases the cam follower in the axial direction so that the first and second ratchet teeth mesh with each other; comprising an actuating member capable of position change interlocked with the cam follower, and a contact switching mechanism that operates in response to the position change of the actuating member, the shaft hole the cam follower to the rotation center Together with the operating body has a shaft portion which is loosely inserted into the shaft hole, stop portion and without omission by attaching a large-diameter annular member than the shaft hole at the tip portion of the shaft portion,
By pushing the operating body in the non-operating position to disengage the cam portion from the rotation restricting portion, the cam follower rotates as the cam portion moves to the return restricting portion, and the actuating member Changes the position, and when the cam portion is locked to the return restricting portion, the return operation of the operating body is in a push-lock state in which the cam follower is restricted, and the operating body is in the push-lock state. The cam follower rotates as the cam portion moves to the rotation restricting portion to change the position of the actuating member as the cam portion is moved to the rotation restricting portion. A push switch device characterized in that the return operation of the operating body is allowed.

2. The push switch device according to claim 1 , wherein an elastic member having a spring load smaller than that of the return spring is interposed between the operating body and the cam follower.

3. The push according to claim 2 , wherein both the return spring and the elastic member are coil springs, and the pair of coil springs are concentrically arranged via a partition wall portion of the cam follower. Switch device.

4. The operation member according to claim 1 , wherein the actuating member has a plurality of upright pieces to which a rotational force of the cam follower is transmitted and is splined to the cam follower. The return spring comprising a coil spring having one end elastically contacted with the cam follower and the other end elastically contacted with the actuating member is disposed in a radially inner space of the piece, and the tip of the standing piece The push switch device is characterized in that a hooking portion that is hooked on the cam follower is formed on the portion against an elastic force of the return spring during assembly.

The operation member according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the actuating member is spline-coupled to the cam follower and is integrally rotatable, and the contact switching mechanism is a fixed contact held by the housing; A push switch device, comprising: a movable contact held by the actuating member and movable toward and away from the fixed contact.

6. The push according to claim 5 , wherein the housing is configured by combining a case in which the guide portion is formed on an inner wall surface and a wafer in which the fixed contact is disposed on the inner bottom surface. Switch device.